BPN

🍕

Stoneham

28 min to Boston
"Italian grandmas and affordable north living in harmony"
Median Price
$740,500
$430/sqft
School Rating
7.5/10
Good
Appreciation
4.6%
per year
Commute
28 min
to downtown

Financing Considerations

Properties in Stoneham typically typically qualify for conforming loans with more flexible underwriting standards.

Learn about loan thresholds, property condition impact, flood/wind insurance, and how vintage homes (common in many MA towns) affect mortgage approval.

✨The Vibe

Tight-knit community with Italian heritage, town square charm, and family values

What It's Really Like

Stoneham is what Winchester was 30 years ago—strong Italian community, excellent pizza, town square with actual character, and families who stay for generations.

Best For

  • ✓Families wanting affordable Winchester alternative
  • ✓Italian food enthusiasts
  • ✓First-time buyers needing good schools and value
  • ✓Those seeking small-town feel near Boston

Avoid If

  • ✗You need T access (none)
  • ✗You want diversity or nightlife
  • ✗You find small towns claustrophobic

🌟Highlights

🍕Italian food scene rivals the North End
🏘️Charming town square with local businesses
🏫Better schools than most affordable options (7.5/10)
💰Half the price of Melrose/Winchester neighbors

Insider Tips

  • 💡Stoneham Zoo isn't great but kids love it anyway
  • 💡Spot Pond reservoir perfect for walking/recreation
  • 💡Everyone knows everyone—it's that kind of town

Demographics

Population
23,352
Median Age
44.7
Median Income
$141,056

Economic Profile

Remote Work
16.0%
work from home
Professional Workers
56.0%
knowledge economy
Broadband Access
92.7%
digital infrastructure
Median Commute
29 min
to work
Rental Cost Burden
40.5%
pay >30% on rent
Homeownership
67.8%
owner-occupied
Poverty Rate
4.7%
below poverty line
Unemployment
3.3%
of labor force
Median Home Value
$609K
Census estimate
Data source: Census ACS 2022 5-year

Religious Community

Places of Worship
2
Churches
2
Historical Context: Oldest establishment dates to 1729• 2 established before 1900
Data Source: MassGIS 2025 (Updated 2025-02-03)

Housing Stock Age

Median Year Built
1952
73 years old
Pre-1940 Construction
10.4%
Lower risk
Post-2000 Construction
20.2%
Modern housing stock
Est. Annual Insurance
$2,505
Based on housing age

Moderate Insurance Risk

Median home built in 1952. Insurance premiums estimated at $2,505/year. Some older homes may require system updates (electrical, plumbing, HVAC).

Insurance Cost Calculator

Estimate your annual homeowners insurance premium

$370,250$740,500$1,481,000

Leave blank to use town median (1952)

Annual Premium
$2,505
$209/month
vs. State Average
+25%
MA avg: $2,008/year
Risk Category
HIGH
Based on home age

30-Year Mortgage Impact

$75,150

Total insurance cost over 30-year mortgage (equivalent to 0.3% of home value)

Age Penalty

This home costs $894 more per year to insure than a newly built home. Over 30 years, that's $26,820 in additional insurance costs.

Ways to Lower Your Premium

  • Bundle home + auto insurance with same carrier (10-25% discount)
  • Increase deductible from $500 to $2,500 (save 15-30%)
  • Install monitored security system (5-20% discount)
  • Update electrical panel and remove knob-and-tube wiring
  • Replace roof with impact-resistant materials (save 5-15%)
  • Upgrade plumbing to PEX or copper
  • Complete full home inspection and address major issues
  • Consider MAPFRE or Chubb for historic home coverage
  • Shop quotes from 5-6 carriers (rates vary significantly)
  • Ask about claims-free discount (5-year history)

* Estimates based on Massachusetts state averages and typical underwriting criteria. Actual premiums vary by carrier, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and credit score. For accurate quotes, contact a licensed insurance agent.

Construction Era Distribution

2020+
80 units
2010-2019
7.4%
680 units
2000-2009
12%
1,100 units
1990-1999
14.7%
1,350 units
1980-1989
16.3%
1,500 units
1970-1979
17.9%
1,650 units
1960-1969
16.8%
1,550 units
1950-1959
14.7%
1,350 units
1940-1949
10.7%
980 units
Pre-1940
10.4%
960 units
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Resources & Research

School Information

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Market Analysis

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Insurance & Risk

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Home Buying Terms

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🚇

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